Producing oxygen in space through photosynthesis with spirulina

ISS Experiment with minature photobioreactor using Arthrospira (Spirulina) to understand behaviour of this compartment of the MELISSA bioregenerative life support system under spaceflight conditions. The first part of the experiment was performed onabord ISS in early 2018 and a second part isin  preparation.

This experiment was the first time a bioreactor of this type had been operated for an extended time period in spaceflight. In a full sized bioreactor this system could produce both oxygen and food for the spacecraft crew.  

Knowledge and technology from this study is relevant to reliable food production in closed / compact environments